There could be no adequate sketch of the
grand orchestra that did no pay a tribute to THEODOR THOMAS, practically
speaking the great missionary of the orchestra in America. He did not create
it, but he introduced and developed and extended it, and above all, he made it intelligible to the public,
spreading abroad the understanding of and the taste for orchestral art,
patiently teaching its rudiments and by exposition making clear its principles.

Thomas conducted five music festivals in
Cincinnati (1873, 1875, 1878, 1880, 1882), one in Chicago (1882) and one in New
York (1882). In 1891 he was called to Chicago, to organize a symphonic
orchestra, which he conducted with great success. He also distinguished himself
as musical director at the Columbian Exposition of 1893.

A position similar to that held by Thomas in
the middle States was held by KARL ZERRAHN in the New England States. He
conducted not only for many years the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Handel and
Haydn Society in Boston, but also the concerts of the Oratorio Society in Salem
and the famous Worcester festivals in Worcester, Mass. Of him Elton in his work
"National Music in America" said: "Zerrahn was the bridge, by
which New England traveled to its modern goal in classical music."

The names of LEOPOLD and WALTER DAMROSCH are
connected with the brilliant history of the Oratorio- and Symphony Societies of
New York, the names of KARL BERGMANN, ANTON SEIDL, GUSTAV MAHLER and JOSEPH
STRANSKY with the history of the unsurpassed Philharmonic Society of New York.

GEORG HENSCHEL, WILHELM GERICKE, ARTHUR
NICKISCH, EMIL PAUR and KARL MUCK have been the leaders of the Boston Symphony
Orchestra, that pride of the Hub and America generally.

No greater encomium could be framed for these
orchestras than that the greatest leaders and virtuosos of Germany were glad to
come here and as guests take part in performances of genuine worth. They, who
by the masterly rendition of the works of great composers helped in paving to
music, the most pleasing and elevating muses, the way to victory.

To-day almost every considerable city has its
symphony orches­tra, voluntarily organized and maintained not for profit but
supported by public subscription as a public educator.The orchestra is a feature of American city life, and the cities that
have orchestras feel in them steadily increasing pride and interest and give to
them steadily increasing support.